Custom travel to Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the world's most iconic safari destinations — East African country, 945,000 km² (1.7 times France), 65 million inhabitants. Unique landscape and wildlife mosaic: 33% of territory in protected areas (one of the world's highest rates), 4 million wild animals. Serengeti (UNESCO 1981, 14,750 km², Africa's most famous national park) — theater of the 'Great Migration': 1.7 million wildebeest + 250,000 zebras + 500,000 gazelles make a 1,800-km annual loop seeking fresh grass, one of the wild world's greatest spectacles. Ngorongoro Crater (UNESCO 1979, world's largest intact crater — 19-km diameter, 600 m deep, 260 km², 25,000 large mammals living permanently — one of the world's highest predator densities, including rare 'Big Five' and notably black rhinoceros). Tarangire (elephant paradise — 3,000 individuals, thousand-year-old baobabs). Lake Manyara (flamingos, tree-climbing lions). Kilimanjaro (UNESCO, 5,895 m, Africa's highest peak, 5-9-day ascent possible). Zanzibar (UNESCO 1986 for Stone Town, Indian Ocean archipelago, white sand beaches, Swahili-Arab-Portuguese heritage, clove spices). Perfect safari + beach combination in 12-14 days. Tanzania is one of the world's most exclusive destinations on the upscale safari segment.

Highlights

  • Serengeti and Great Migration (UNESCO)
  • Ngorongoro Crater (UNESCO)
  • Tarangire (elephants and baobabs)
  • Zanzibar (UNESCO Stone Town, beaches)
  • Kilimanjaro (5,895 m, roof of Africa)
  • Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffalo

Sample itineraries

Northern Circuit + Zanzibar

Duration : 12 days

Route : Arusha (1 night) → Tarangire (2, elephants) → Lake Manyara (1) → Ngorongoro (2, crater + Big Five) → Serengeti (3, Great Migration) → Zanzibar flight (3, beach + Stone Town)

Great Migration: Mara crossing

Duration : 10 days

Route : Arusha (1) → Serengeti South (2, January-March births) or Serengeti North-Mara (3, July-October crossings) → Ngorongoro (2) → Zanzibar flight (2)

Exclusive Tanzania: Singita and Mnemba

Duration : 12 days

Route : Singita Sasakwa Lodge (Serengeti, 4 nights) → andBeyond Crater Lodge (Ngorongoro, 2 nights) → Mnemba Island (Zanzibar, 4 nights) → return flight

When to go

June-October is the best period (dry season, wildlife concentrated at water points, Mara crossings August-October). January-March: wildebeest births in South Serengeti (spectacular alternative). Avoid April-May (long rains, some lodges closed) and November (short rains).

  • Dry season (June – October) — Great Migration in the North, Mara crossings August-October
  • Births (January – March) — 500,000 wildebeest births in South Serengeti
  • Long rains (April – May) — To avoid for safaris (difficult roads)
  • Short rains (November – December) — Migration in the South, green landscapes

Practical information

Safe in safari zones and Zanzibar (vigilance in Dar es Salaam and Stone Town pickpockets). E-visa or visa on arrival ($50, 90 days, at eservices.immigration.go.tz). Mandatory yellow fever vaccine if arriving from endemic country. Antimalarial recommended. Avoid tap water. Cards accepted in premium lodges and Zanzibar, cash (USD or shillings) elsewhere. Appropriate attire for Maasai (covering). Ranger tipping $10-$20/day (essential for their income).

Frequently asked questions

When?

June-October (dry season, Migration in North). January-March (births). Avoid April-May (rains).

How long?

12 days for Northern Circuit (Tarangire + Ngorongoro + Serengeti) + Zanzibar. 14 days ideal.

Budget?

€5,500-€7,000 per person for 12 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €9,500-€13,000. Exclusive: €18,000+. Flights: €1,000-€1,500.

Visa?

E-visa or visa on arrival ($50, 90 days). Mandatory yellow fever vaccine if arriving from endemic country.

Family?

Yes, from age 8-10 (young ones love safaris). Family lodges available.

How to get around?

Coastal Air domestic flights between parks and Zanzibar. Safari 4×4 with ranger.

See Big Five: possible?

Guaranteed at Ngorongoro Crater in 1 day (lions, leopards, black rhinos, elephants, buffalo). In Serengeti: possible but less certain.

Tanzania or Kenya for Migration?

Tanzania (Serengeti) houses the migration 9-10 months/year. Kenya (Masai Mara) only August-October. Prefer Tanzania for complete stay.

Combine?

Yes: Tanzania + Kenya (Masai Mara), Tanzania + Rwanda (gorillas), Tanzania + Madagascar.

Tips?

Essential for rangers ($10-$20/day) and lodge staff. Important income source.